It's Enjoy Stafford Week (17th-23rd June) so let's have a look at some of the best things to do in and around our county town.

Stafford is packed with things to do, places to eat and accommodation to suit everyone - whether you're on a budget or looking for something more exclusive.

Here are six great reasons to visit.

1. Trentham Estate

Image shows a girl sitting on a bench to admire one of the wire fairy sculptures at The Trentham EstateTrentham Estate is a jewel in Staffordshire's crown and worth a visit all on its own!

Combining spectacular natural beauty with a unique outdoor shopping experience and events all-year round, The Trentham Estate is one of the top-paid for garden attractions in the UK.

Unwind with a relaxing stroll beside the Capability Brown lake, explore the award-winning gardens and ancient woodland, and look out for the enchanted fairies as you go - can you find them all?

See if you can spot Trentham's flourishing family of beavers, introduced in Spring 2023, or head next door and meet the macaques at the unique Trentham Monkey Forest, the only place in the UK where you can walk among the free-roaming monkeys.

Enjoy a summer of live music featuring some of the country's top tribute acts, or see the real deal at Trentham Live featuring chart-toppers Manic Street Preachers, Deacon Blue, Jess Glynne and Busted!

For more things to see and do in Stafford, visit our Attractions in Stafford listing.

2. Love Cheese Live

Image shows James Martin in a kitchen, wearing a blue shirt and looking at the cameraOne of the biggest food and drink events in the country, Love Cheese Live brings well-known chefs, artisan producers, and family fun to Staffordshire's County Showground every summer.

See demonstrations from the likes of James Martin and Will Holland, and browse the stalls offering cheese and every accompaniment you can think of, ranging from beer, wine and gin, to artisan crisps and delicious desserts.

And there's plenty more to enjoy including milkshake masterclasses, street food, wine and cheese pairing sessions, and live music!

And find out more about the 2024 event, on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th June, at https://www.lovecheeselive.co.uk/

You'll find a full list of great events in Stafford here.

3. Stone Food & Drink Festival

Later this summer, the Stone Food & Drink Festival offers another fabulous foodie day out in Stafford!

Staffordshire's original gastronomic gathering began in 2004 and brings thousands of food lovers to the delightful canalside town of Stone every year.

With demos, talks and tastings from some of Staffordshire's brightest culinary talent, stalls offering some of the county's best produce, and events across the town adding to the festival atmosphere, it's definitely a date for your diary.

This year's event takes place on 5th, 6th and 7th 16th July - visit https://stonefooddrink.org.uk/ for more information and to snap up your tickets.

You can also win two adult weekend passes for this year's festival, in our Enjoy Stafford Week prize draw. Here's how to enter: https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/competitions/enjoy-stafford-week-2024-prize-draw

Click here for more events in Stafford.

4. The Dog & Doublet

Why not linger longer at The Dog & Doublet and delve into everything Stafford and the rest of the county has to offer?

The Dog & Doublet is one of our most stylish and comfortable inns, with 11 welcoming rooms offering a great night's sleep - not to mention flatscreen tellies and free wifi - in the peaceful surroundings of Sandon.

A quintessentially English village which is a popular spot for walking, Sandon is also well-placed for exploring Staffordshire, with Stafford, Stone, Lichfield and Stoke-on-Trent just a short drive away.

And downstairs, the gastro pub is perfect for fuelling up, whether you're relaxing after a day of discovery or preparing for the adventures to come.

Find other great places to stay in Stafford here.

5. Aston Marina

For a well-earned treat, make a beeline for Aston Marina, one of Staffordshire's best independent restaurants.

Aston Marina is renowned for great food, great service and a beautiful waterside backdrop, which makes it the perfect setting for a special occasion, or a real feast, just because - does there have to be a reason?

Enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace, or take cover in the sumptuous restaurant, cosy Potting Shed, or the stunning domes on the decking, as you savour fine cuisine showcasing the very best in locally-sourced produce.

Click here for a list of other Places to Eat in Stafford.

6. Moddershall Oaks

If you need to escape and recharge, there is nowhere better to reinvigorate than the fabulous Moddershall Oaks.

Escape the everyday and find sanctuary in the soothing spa, home to a selection of packages, ideal for a refreshing few hours after work, a day of pampering, or the extended indulgence of a classic spa break.

Away from the spa, enjoy the woodland trail on foot or two wheels - cycles are available for complimentary hire.

Head for the tennis court, or the boutique gym if you fancy something more strenuous, before rounding off your day in style at the recently-refurbished Oak House Restaurant. 

Here's a full list of suggestions for Things to Do in Stafford.

Related

The Trentham Estate
Garden
The Italian garden with lake beyond at the Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

Peace and quiet, fun and action - there's something for everyone at The Trentham Estate with stunning Gardens, a Shopping Village and the Monkey Forest.

Love Cheese Live
Food / Drink Festival
Love Cheese Live comes to Staffordshire Summer 2024

The world's leading International Cheese and Diary Awards are excited to bring 'Love Cheese Live', the ultimate culinary experience for cheese and food lovers, back to the Staffordshire County Showground this Summer.

Stone Food & Drink Festival
Food / Drink Festival
Tantalise your tastebuds at the Stone Food and Drink Festival.

Food lovers are in for a treat in July, with the return of Stone’s annual celebration of all things food & drink. For one ‘big weekend’ the town will transform into a foodie haven packed with artisan produce, street food stalls, live cookery demonstrations with top local chefs, talks, tastings and live music.

No 26 at Aston Marina
Restaurant
No 26 at Aston Marina

A passion for using the finest quality, local sourced ingredients is showcased in seasonal menus that feature British classics alongside globally-inspired dishes.

Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat
Spa
Enjoy an evening of comedy

Moddershall Oaks is a spectacular Spa Hotel Resort nestled in seventy four acres of woodland and grounds. Facilities include Spa, Restaurant, Accommodation, Gym and relaxation.

The Dog & Doublet Inn
Inn
The Dog & Doublet

Located in the heart of Staffordshire in the picturesque village of Sandon, The Dog & Doublet is a delightful arts and crafts period inn with 11 tastefully appointed bedrooms. Good access to Stone, Stafford, Lichfield and Uttoxeter.